The Atlanta Braves players have formed a tight bond over the last couple of years.
They have lived through so many things together as a team: the franchise hadn’t won a World Series since 1995 despite routinely making the postseason, and was finally able to break the drought last year.
This year, they started off the season slowly and were a mediocre team for two months.
They watched as the Mets had built a 10.5-game lead by early June, but worked hard and were able to be crowned division champions when all was said and done.
There is a clear connection between players, and they have started a new tradition: whenever one of them agrees to a long, life-changing contract extension, they take up a sizable portion of the media room to show their support.
Braves teammates showing support at contract extension press conferences is now a regularly scheduled feature in Atlanta. pic.twitter.com/L6hcqT0qft
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) October 10, 2022
They did just that on Monday, when the team announced its six-year, $75 million contract extension with talented ace Spencer Strider.
A Cool Tradition For A Close Group
They had already done a similar thing in early August, when the organization announced a long extension with third baseman Austin Riley.
Teammates supporting teammates 🤝@Braves players are taking up half the room at Austin Riley’s contract extension press conference. pic.twitter.com/xpa2hTFLIO
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) August 2, 2022
After all, it’s not everyday you see a teammate and friend changing his life forever with a lucrative extension, often seen as the result of years of hard work and sacrifices.
Braves manager Brian Snitker said Strider, currently recovering from an oblique injury, looked good during a bullpen session Sunday.
His role (and presence on the roster for the Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies) is still up in the air, but he is progressing nicely.
In 131.2 innings, Strider struck out an incredible 202 hitters and had an excellent 2.67 ERA, with an even better 1.83 Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP).
NEXT: The Braves Have An Unrivaled Core Of Stars